EKY reality TV star arrested in drug round-up

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) He was once the star of a reality-based TV show filmed in Eastern Kentucky, but now he’s behind bars.

Letcher County Sheriff Danny Webb says the man known for handling snakes was one of several people targeted in a drug roundup Tuesday.

He made his debut on TV two years ago as “Snake Man of Appalachia” on Animal Planet, but Tuesday Verlin Short hit TV screens for something else.

“On an everyday basis, it goes back to the drug problem,” Webb said.

Short was one of 16 people deputies went after for allegedly trafficking drugs.

It’s a problem Sheriff Webb says plagues his county.

“This is one way law enforcement can deal with [drugs], make arrests for people that’s actually selling the drugs,” Webb added.

The reality-based TV show followed Short and his family that have deep roots with handling snakes. On the show, Short had more than 40 rattlesnakes and copperheads that he kept as pets and used in religious services.

But Sheriff Webb hopes drug round-ups like this one get his message across loud and clear.

“If you’re selling pills, you don’t know who you’re selling them to. Always remember that you could be recorded or someone could be watching you at the time,” Webb added.

The sheriff says to expect more drug arrests very soon.

“Snake Man of Appalachia” no longer airs on Animal Planet. Our calls to the network went unreturned.

Ten people were arrested for various drug charges, including drug trafficking:

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